Director: No parking restrictions on Kossuth

As expected, the city's public service director ruled against implementing permit parking along Kossuth Street in German Village.

Mark Kelsey, who officially retired July 29, followed the direction of the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission, which July 9 recommended against a request for new parking restrictions between Mohawk and Fifth streets.

Paul and Terri Carlson, who live on Kossuth, led a petition drive to get two-hour permit parking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., thereby eliminating 18 spaces in a retail hub that includes Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant, Schmidt's Fudge Haus, Mary B's, the Old Mohawk and Helen Winnemore Craft.

Business owners maintained restrictions were unnecessary and simply would push patrons on surrounding streets, frustrating residents in those areas.

The Carlsons, however, argued it was a safety issue.

They said their high school-age daughter, who often returns home late after extra-curricular activities, was forced to park too far away from their house.